Uninterruptable tap

ABSTRACT

A coaxial tap in a hybrid fiber coaxial cable distribution system serves subscribers with an RF signal and optionally an equipment supply voltage while passing the RF signal to devices downstream of the tap.

PRIORITY

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/939,674 entitled Uninterruptable Tap, filed Jul. 27, 2020 which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/809,064entitled Uninterruptable Tap, filed Mar. 4, 2020.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to an article of manufacture forexchanging electrical signals. In particular, a coaxial tap sharessignals between coaxial circuits such as between a hardline coaxialcircuit and a subscriber coaxial circuit.

Discussion of the Related Art

Coaxial taps serve subscribers by exchanging signals between adistribution circuit and subscriber circuit(s). They are commonly usedin hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) distribution systems, for example systemsproviding cable television (CATV) services and/or Internet services. Ina typical HFC system, there are multiple coaxial taps along a coaxialdistribution line such as a coaxial hardline. The hardline coaxial cabledistributes a signal which includes an RF signal and an equipment supplyvoltage. The distributed RF signal is shared with subscribers served byeach tap and the equipment supply voltage powers devices connected tothe distribution circuit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The evolution of HFC systems includes increases in data transmissionspeeds. For example, 1.2 GHz (Gigahertz) systems will in cases beupgraded to 2-3 GHz systems. This evolution will requiremodification/replacement of HFC components such as HFC taps.

The present invention provides a device for exchanging signals between adistribution circuit and one or more subscriber circuits. In anembodiment, a tap is for use in a hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) cabledistribution system, the tap comprising: a metallic housing forinterconnection with an upstream hardline and a downstream hardline; thehardlines transporting RF signals and equipment supply voltage signals;the housing enclosing hardline circuits and drop circuits; the dropcircuits for servicing subscriber ports; the hardline circuits includinga bridge for passing only low frequency equipment supply voltage signalsbetween the upstream and downstream hardlines; and, the drop circuitsfor passing only high frequency signals between the upstream anddownstream hardlines; wherein an RF switch is for passing only RFsignals between the upstream and downstream hardlines when the dropcircuits are disconnected from the hardline circuits.

In an embodiment a tap is for use in a hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) cabledistribution system, the tap comprising: a metallic housing forinterconnection with an upstream hardline and a downstream hardline; thehousing enclosing hardline circuits and drop circuits; the drop circuitsservicing subscriber ports; the hardline circuits including a bridge forseparating RF signals and equipment supply voltage signals; theseparated equipment supply voltage signals transferred from one of thehardlines to the other hardline; the separated RF signals transferred tothe drop circuits and back to the bridge when an RF switch statusindicates the drop circuits are connected to the hardline circuits; and,the separated RF signals bypassing the drop circuits and transferredback to the bridge when switch status indicates that the drop circuitsare not connected to the hardline circuits.

In some embodiments the tap further comprises an RF switch actuator;and, the actuator moving in response to movement of the drop circuitswith respect to the hardline circuits. In some embodiments the tapfurther comprises connectors for electrically connecting the dropcircuits and the hardline circuits; the RF switch in a first state whenthe connectors are mated; and, the RF switch in a second state when theconnectors are not mated. In some embodiments the tap further comprisesconnectors for electrically connecting the drop circuits and thehardline circuits; and, wherein moving the drop circuits away from thehardline circuits in a direction that disconnects the drop circuits fromthe hardline circuits changes the state of the RF switch. In someembodiments moving the drop circuits toward the hardline circuits in adirection that connects the drop circuits and the hardline circuitschanges the state of the RF switch. In some embodiments the dropcircuits pass RF signals when the RF switch is open. In some embodimentsthe drop circuits do not pass RF signals when the RF switch is closed.In some embodiments the RF switch employs a single contact for closing acircuit between connectors used to interconnect the drop circuits andthe hardline circuits. In some embodiments the RF switch employs pluralcontacts for closing a circuit between connectors used to interconnectthe drop circuits and the hardline circuits.

In some embodiments first and second connectors are used to interconnectthe drop circuits and the hardline circuits; an RF switch in a circuitbetween the first and second connectors; the bridge including a firstdiplexer and a second diplexer; the first diplexer coupled to theupstream hardline, the first connector, and the second diplexer; and,the second diplexer coupled to the second connector and the downstreamhardline. In some embodiments RF signals originating at the headend areseparated into RF signals and equipment supply voltage signals at thefirst diplexer and at the second diplexer RF signals transported by theRF switch circuit or drop circuits are recombined with equipment supplyvoltage signals transported by the bridge. In some embodimentssubscriber RF signals that originate from a subscriber using this tap orin a tap downstream of this tap are transported to the headend via thefirst diplexer.

In an embodiment a tap is for use in a hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) cabledistribution system, the tap comprising: a metallic housing forinterconnection with an upstream hardline and a downstream hardline; thehousing enclosing hardline circuits and drop circuits; the drop circuitsincluding a splitter and a directional coupler; the drop circuitsservicing subscriber ports; the hardline circuits including a bridge forseparating RF signals and equipment supply voltage signals; theseparated equipment supply voltage signals transferred from one of thehardlines to the other hardline; an RF switch and an RF switch stateallowing transport of the separated RF signals to the drop circuits andback to the bridge; and, an RF switch state allowing transport of theseparated RF signals back to the bridge independent of the dropcircuits.

In this patent application, various embodiments may substitute any formof a hybrid transformer or hybrid passive transformer for a splitter. Inthis patent application, various embodiments may substitute any form ofa hybrid transformer or hybrid passive transformer for a directionalcoupler.

In some embodiments, connectors are for interconnecting the directionalcoupler with the drop circuits; and, the directional coupler separablefrom the tap when connectors are separated. In some embodiments the tapfurther comprises: a penetration in the housing; and, the penetrationexposing the directional coupler. In some embodiments the tap furthercomprises a metallic closure for covering the penetration and shieldingtap internals from ingress or egress of RF signals via the penetration.In some embodiments removal of the metallic closure allows thedirectional coupler to be exchanged with, due to the bridge, nointerruption of downstream equipment supply voltage and with, due to theRF switch, substantially no interruption of downstream RF service. Insome embodiments the tap further comprises: a wire clamp extending fromthe housing; and, the wire clamp on a housing surface opposite or facingthe face plate. In some embodiments the tap further comprises: a wireclamp extending from the housing; and, the wire clamp on a housingsurface adjoining the face plate.

This summary may not identify all features of various embodiments of theclaimed subject matter. The general description provided by theforegoing and the detailed description which follows are exemplary andindicate an overview or framework useful in understanding the nature andcharacter of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Description of the present invention is aided by reference to theaccompanying exemplary figures. These figures, incorporated herein andforming part of the specification, illustrate selected embodiments ofthe invention and, together with the description, further serve toexplain its principles enabling a person skilled in the relevant art tomake and use the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a hybrid fiber coaxial cable distribution plant.

FIGS. 2A-B show front and side views of a tap in accordance withembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3A shows tap internals within a housing in accordance withembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3B shows tap internals with a single contact switch in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3C shows tap internals with diplexer signal separation inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 3D-E show tap internals with high pass filter and low pass filtersignal separation in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4A-B show a tap internals with a multicontact switch in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5A-B show a first tap assembly with two switches in accordance withembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5C shows a second tap assembly with two switches in accordance withembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a tap with a removable directional coupler in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows examples of tap shielding in accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIG. 8A-B show another tap embodiment in accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIG. 9A-D show another tap embodiment in accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIG. 10 shows another directional coupler embodiment in accordance withembodiments of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

The disclosure provided herein describes examples of some embodiments ofthe invention. The designs, figures, and descriptions are non-limitingexamples of the embodiments they disclose. For example, otherembodiments of the disclosed device and/or method may or may not includethe features described herein. Moreover, disclosed advantages andbenefits may apply to only certain embodiments of the invention andshould not be used to limit the disclosed invention.

Where conductors carrying RF signals are mentioned below, any one ormore of these conductors may be shielded. Where filters intended tofilter signals of particular frequencies are mentioned, any filtersuited to filtering the particular frequencies may be used.

FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B are schematics of a hybrid fiber cable (HFC) signaldistribution system and a tap used with this system 100, 200A, 200B.

FIG. 1 shows a hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) cable distribution system 100such as may be used for distributing television services and/or internetservices. The cable distribution system includes a headend 102interconnected to an optical node 104 via optical fiber 103.

The optical node 104 is connected to downstream coaxial devices viacoaxial cables. In the example shown, a headend 102 is connected with anoptical node 104 via an optical fiber 103. Thereafter, each of theoptical node 104, amplifier 1 106, tap 1 108, amplifier 2 110, and tap 2112 are interconnected by respective coaxial cables 105, 107, 109, 111.While RF signals may originate at the headend, equipment supply voltagesignals may originate at various locations, e.g. 122, 124, along thecoaxial cables.

FIG. 2A shows a tap front view 200A. In this example, a tap face plate202 includes four subscriber ports or drops such as F Type ports 248,258, 268, 278. Notably, the number of subscriber ports may vary, forexample 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10 subscriber ports may be associated with a tap.Interconnecting with the tap, a hardline coaxial cable 107 is shownupstream of the tap and a hardline coaxial cable 109 is shown downstreamof the tap.

FIG. 2B shows a tap side view 200B. In this example, F Type ports 258and 278 are seen projecting from the face plate 202. A tap internalspace 272 is bounded by the face plate and by an attached enclosure orenclosure assembly 274 that receives the coaxial cables 107, 109. Invarious embodiments, the tap internal space 272 is completely enclosed,for example by the tap face plate 202 and the abutting enclosure 274.Together, the face plate and the enclosure assembly may be referred toas a tap assembly 275.

FIGS. 3A-D show schematics of various tap embodiments 300A, 300B, 300C,300D. In various embodiments, hardline cables 107, 109 carry both a highfrequency RF signal and a low frequency equipment supply voltage signal.This equipment supply voltage may be up to 120 V AC or DC and therelated current may be up to 15 amps.

FIG. 3A shows an exemplary tap with tap circuits within a tap enclosure300A. The tap circuits include port or drop circuits 318 and coaxialtrunk line or hardline circuits 308. Drop circuit connection lines 348,358, 368, 378 interconnect with drop ports 248, 258, 268, 278. Thehardline circuits 308 interconnect with the hardlines 107, 109 viaexternal hardline connectors 380, 390. The hardline circuits 308interconnect with the drop circuits 318 via connector 322 joining lines320 and 324 and connector 332 joining lines 330 and 334. In variousembodiments, the tap internal circuits are shielded, for example by thetap enclosure, from ingress or egress of RF signals.

In various embodiments, a case or plate 309 holding hardline circuits308 may provide containment, substrates, and/or shielding. In variousembodiments, a case or plate 319 holding drop circuits 318 may providecontainment, substrates, and/or shielding.

In various embodiments, the drop circuits 318 include a directionalcoupler 317 interconnecting the hardline circuits 308 and a splitter315. Here the splitter interconnects with the F ports 248, 258, 268, 278via respective connection lines 348, 358, 368, 378. In some embodiments,the directional coupler 317 interconnects with lines 320, 330 from thehardline circuits.

In various embodiments, the drop circuits 318 are separable from thehardline circuits 308 via connectors 322, 332 interconnecting the dropcircuits and a hardline bridge (“bridge”) 335 of the hardline circuits308. As mentioned, the hardline circuits are interconnected withupstream hardline 107 and with downstream hardline 109 via connectors380, 390.

The tap 300A may be suspended from a wire such as a taut guy wire. Here,a wire clamp 311 affixed to the enclosure 274 provides a means forattaching the tap to the wire. In various embodiments, the clamp may beattached to or may be a part of any surface of the enclosure. Forexample, the clamp may be attached to or may be a part of the face plate202, a surface opposite the face plate 204, or a surface adjoining theface plate 206, 208, 210, 212 (see FIG. 2B).

FIG. 3B shows tap circuits and a switch for bypassing the drop circuits300B. The bypass switch is in a line 340 between bridge connections 320,330 which interconnect the bridge to the drop circuits via theconnectors 322, 332.

The internal connector(s) 322 (connecting bridge line 320 and dropcircuits line 324) and 332 (connecting lines bridge 330 and port circuitline 334) interconnect the bridge 335 with the drop circuits 318. In thecase that connectors 322 and 332 are separated, the drop circuits 318are disconnected from the hardline circuits 308.

In various embodiments, separating the connectors 322, 332 changes thestate of the bypass switch 342. For example, separation may cause thebypass switch 342 which was open before separation (as shown in FIG. 3B)to be closed after separation. Here, the closed switch bypasses thebridge 335. For example, when the drop circuits 318 are disconnected,the bypass path 340 through switch 342 enables passage of RF around thebridge.

Switch operation may be via an actuator 344. The actuator may be movablewith the drop circuits 318 and/or with a movable/removable part of thetap assembly 300A such as the face plate 202. The actuator may bemovable with respect to hardline circuits 308.

FIG. 3C shows another embodiment with drop circuits 318, hardlinecircuits 308, and details of an exemplary bridge 300C.

When switch 342 is open, RF signals pass through the drop circuit 318.For example, actuator 344 may open the switch 342. In variousembodiments, the bridge includes a frequency separation device such as adiplexer 382 interconnecting with hardline 107 to separate the high andlow frequency signals.

For example, the diplexer 382 may exchange signals with the hardline 107and pass high frequency RF signals on a drop circuit line 320. Lowfrequency equipment supply voltage may be passed on a line 341 betweenhardline connectors 380, 390. Notably, where suitable, the term exchangemay refer to any of the signals flowing from device A to device B, tosignals flowing from device B to device A, and to signals flowing inboth directions.

A second diplexer may be located downstream of the first. For example, asecond diplexer 386 may recombine the low frequency equipment supplyvoltage signal on line 341 with a high frequency RF signal on line 330such that the signal at the hardline connection 107 is reproduced athardline connection 109. The signal at hardline connection 107 may beattenuated by the tap.

In some embodiments, low pass filtering 384 such as an inductive (L) orinductive-capacitive (LC) filter may be interposed in line 341, forexample between the diplexers 382, 386. This low pass filtering mayattenuate RF signals that would otherwise be passed between thediplexers. In some embodiments, band pass filtering may be used.

When switch 342 is closed RF signals 320, 330 leaving one of thediplexers 382, 386 are passed to the other of the diplexers. Forexample, when the drop circuits 318 are disconnected from the hardlinecircuits 308 at connectors 322, 332, the actuator 344 may move to closethe switch which allows passage of RF signals along line 393interconnecting the diplexers.

Again, the diplexer 386 may recombine the low frequency equipment supplyvoltage signal on line 341 with the high frequency RF signal on line 330such that the signal at the hardline connection 107 is reproduced athardline connection 109.

As skilled artisans will appreciate, the bridge 335 enables theequipment supply voltage to be passed from hardline connector 380 tohardline connector 390. This is the case irrespective of a connection(e.g., 322, 332) between the drop circuits 318 and the hardline circuits308.

And, because equipment supply voltage is passed via the bridge 335, onlyRF signals reach the switch 342. This enables the switch to be designedto pass RF signals in particular. There is no need for the switch topass high voltages and/or high currents to power equipment (e.g.,amplifiers shown in FIG. 1 ) connected to the hardline coaxial cable.This is unlike current HFC taps which typically require a bypass switchthat handles both RF and equipment supply voltage.

Because switch 342 is an RF switch, it can be smaller, for example dueto the reduced contact area required to carry only RF signals. Switchinsertion loss can also be managed/reduced as smaller switch parts allowfor designs that more closely match the desired and actual switchimpedance (e.g. 75 ohms) reducing undesirable reflections that retarddata rates and cause signal loss. Notably, the RF switch here andelsewhere may be a mechanical switch such as a switch with contacts oran electronic switch, for example a semiconductor switch or a switchutilizing a pin diode.

It should be noted that, like the RF switch 342, the drop circuitconnectors 322, 332 can also be smaller, for example due to the reducedcontact area required to carry only RF signals. In cases, connectorinsertion loss can also be managed/reduced as smaller parts allow fordesigns that more closely match the desired and actual connectorimpedance (e.g. 75 ohms) reducing undesirable reflections that retarddata rates and cause signal loss.

FIG. 3D shows another embodiment with drop circuits 318, hardlinecircuits 308, and details of another exemplary bridge 300D.

In this embodiment filters are used to isolate the high frequency RFsignals and the low frequency equipment supply voltage signals. As seen,the bridge 335 includes a line 343 with a low pass filter 357 thatconnects the upstream hardline 107 and the downstream hardline 109. Toeither side of the low pass filter, high pass filters 353, 355 are inlines 320, 330 that join connectors 322, 332. In some embodimentsfilters 353, 355 may be band pass filters.

When the drop circuits 318 are connected 322, 332 to the hardlinecircuits 308, switch 342 is open (not shown). High frequency RF signalsfrom the hardline 107 are passed to the drop circuits 318 by the highpass filter 353. RF signals leaving the drop circuits pass through thehigh pass filter 355 and merge with the low frequency signals leavingthe low pass filter 357 to reconstruct the upstream hardline signal 107.

RF signals traveling in the opposite direction, from the downstreamhardline 109 to the upstream hardline 107, are transported in a similarmanner via high pass filter 355 and drop circuits 318.

When the drop circuits are disconnected 322, 332 from the hardlinecircuits 308, switch 342 is closed (as shown). In this case, the RFsignals leaving high pass filter 353 are transported via a bypass line393 to high pass filter 355 where they are merged with the low frequencysignals leaving the low pass filter 357 to reconstruct the upstreamhardline signal 107.

RF signals traveling in the opposite direction, from the downstreamhardline 109 to the upstream hardline 107, are transported in a similarmanner via high pass filter 355 and closed switch 342.

As seen, this arrangement provides for continuous passage of lowfrequency signals via the bridge 335 and switching 342 of RF signalssuch that they pass through the drop circuits 318 (switch open) or areshunted around the drop circuits (switch closed).

FIG. 3E shows another embodiment with drop circuits 318, hardlinecircuits 308, and details of an exemplary bridge 300E.

Similar to FIG. 3D, in this embodiment filters are used to isolate thehigh frequency RF signals and the low frequency equipment supply voltagesignals. As seen, the bridge 335 includes a line 343 with a low passfilter 357 that connects the upstream hardline 107 and the downstreamhardline 109.

High pass filters 385, 387 around RF switch 342 in bypass circuit 393isolate signals such that only RF signals pass through the switch. Notethat either of the high pass filters 385, 387 may be optional. The highpass filters 381, 383 may be included in the drop circuits 318 orexternal to the drop circuits. Drop circuits 318 are similarly isolatedby high pass filters 381, 383 in lines 324, 334 entering/leaving thedrop circuits.

FIGS. 4A-B show tap circuits and two switch contacts for bypassing thedrop circuits 400A, 400B. In various embodiments, hardline cables 107,109 carry both a high frequency RF signal and a low frequency equipmentsupply voltage signal. This equipment supply voltage may be up to 120 VAC or DC and the related current may be up to 15 amps.

FIG. 4A shows tap circuits 400A. The tap circuits include drop circuits318 and hardline circuits 308. The drop circuits interconnect 391 withsubscriber ports (not shown). The hardline circuits interconnect theupstream hardline 107 and downstream hardline 109 via hardlineconnectors 380, 390. Internal connectors 412, 413 connect the hardlinecircuits 308 with the drop circuits 318.

As seen, conductors 402, 403 of the drop circuits 318 selectivelyconnect or disconnect with mating bridge conductors 412, 413 to connector disconnect the drop circuits from the hardline circuits 308. Whenconnected (as shown), an actuator 344 presses a spring biased 418conductor 416 away from the mating bridge conductors to open a circuittherebetween. When disconnected (see FIG. 4B), the actuator 344 releasesthe spring biased conductor which moves to contact the mating bridgeconductors 433, 435 to close a circuit therebetween. As mentioned above,switch 442 may be an RF switch.

FIG. 4B includes details of an exemplary bridge 400B.

When the drop circuits 318 are connected to the hardline circuits 308via connections 402, 403, the switch 442 is open. The bridge 335 mayutilize a diplexer 482 exchanging hardline signals 107 to pass RF on theport circuit line 402 and to pass equipment supply voltage on a bridgeline 441.

In an embodiment, the bridge may utilize a diplexer 486 exchanginghardline signals 109 to pass RF on the port circuit line 403 and to passsupply voltage from a bridge line 441.

In some embodiments, low pass filtering 484 such as an inductive (L) orinductive-capacitive (LC) filter may be interposed in line 441 betweendiplexers 482, 486.

When the drop circuits 318 are disconnected from the hardline circuits308 via connections 402, 403, the switch 442 is closed. In this case,the diplexers 482, 486 RF connections 412, 413 are interconnected by theswitch such that second diplexer 486 receives RF signals directly fromthe first diplexer 482 and receives equipment supply voltage signalsfrom bridge line 441. These RF and equipment supply voltage signals arecombined in the diplexer which exchanges signals with the downstreamcoaxial hardline 109.

RF signals traveling in the opposite direction, from the downstreamhardline 109 to the upstream hardline 107, are transported in a similarmanner via diplexer 486 and switch 442 (closed switch) or via diplexer486 and the drop circuits 318 (open switch).

FIG. 5A shows an exploded view of tap circuits for fitment in a firsthousing 500A. A metallic base 520 provides a hardline entry 524 and ahardline exit 526. Notably, the base may include respective hardlineconnectors (not shown). The base is for receiving hardline circuits 308,drop circuits 318, and a metallic face plate 502. When the face plate isjoined with the base, a housing for enclosing the tap circuits 308, 318is provided.

Face plate ports 258, 278 such as F-Type ports include connections 348,368 for mating with the drop circuits 318. Notably, the ports may belocated on the face plate 502 or on the metallic base 520 (not shown).The drop circuits include connectors 402, 403 for mating with thehardline circuits 308. Notably, connectors 402, 403 also operatehardline circuit RF switches 510, 512 for bypassing the drop circuits.Diplexers 482, 486 and low pass filter 484 provide functions similar tothose described above. Notably, any of the devices of FIGS. 3A-D, 4A-Bmay utilize a similar housing.

FIG. 5B shows tap circuits fitted into the housing 500B. As seen, thehardline circuits 308 are situated in the bottom of the base 520 andaligned for connection with hardlines at entry 524 and exit 526. Atopthe hardline circuits, drop circuits 318 are interconnected viaconnectors 402, 403 that operate switches 510, 512. Atop the dropcircuits, a face plate is interconnected via face plate connections 348,368 (see FIG. 5C) to service ports 258, 278.

When the tap circuits 308, 318 are assembled into the housing and theface plate 502 is joined with the base 520, tap internals are shieldedfrom electromagnetic interference.

FIG. 5C shows tap circuits fitted into a second housing 500C. Similar toFIG. 5B, here the housing includes a metallic face plate 502, a metallicbottom plate 580, and one or more metallic side walls 584, 586. Whenjoined together, the faceplate, bottom plate, and side wall(s) shieldtap internals from electromagnetic interference.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary tap with a removable directional coupler 600.Functionally similar to the tap described in FIG. 3A, this tap includesa splitter 315 interconnected between a directional coupler 317 andports 248, 258, 268, 278 and a bridge 335 interconnected with thedirectional coupler. The bridge also interconnects the upstream hardline107 and the downstream hardline 109.

The directional coupler 317 is plugged into the tap via connectors 610,612, 614 and is removable from the tap when the connectors areseparated. Tap internals are within a metallic housing that provideselectromagnetic shielding such as ingress and egress shielding.

In some embodiments the splitter 315 and bridge 335 are on a singlecircuit board 630 within the tap housing 622. In some embodiments, asingle motherboard with a plug in daughter assembly/board including thedirectional coupler 317 is within the tap housing. In some embodiments,the splitter and bridge are on separate circuit boards within the taphousing (not shown).

In an embodiment, a penetration 602 in a tap housing 622 provides ameans for removing the directional coupler 317 from the tap as it isunplugged from the connectors. A closure 604 may be provided to coverthe penetration, for example to provide electromagnetic shielding.

It should be noted that the penetration 602 is small relative to housing622 dimensions. For example, the housing face plate 202 may be about 10,15, 20, or 25 square inches while the penetration may be about 1, 2, or3 square inches. Therefore, the penetration presents a much smaller areafor ingress/egress of RF signals when the closure/access door 604 isremoved as compared to when a much larger housing cover (e.g.approximately equal in size to face plate) is removed. Notably, thepenetration dimensions can be adjusted/tuned to attenuate RF signals atparticular frequencies.

Embodiments of the tap 300A, 400A, 500A-B, 600 include F-Type ports 248,258, 268, 278 on a removable or irremovable face plate 202 which may ormay not include the hardline connections on the face of the face plateor on a side of the face plate. The face plate may be opposite or facingthe surface having the penetration 602. The face plate or face of theface plate may be on the same surface as the penetration. The hardlineconnectors and the F-Type connectors may be located on the same surface.

FIG. 7 shows RF a tap with cover dimensions of about 16 square inchesand penetration dimensions of about 1.5 square inches (1-inch×0.5 inch).Shielding in dB is shown in the table below.

FREQUENCY/OPENING 1.5 GHz 2.5 GHz Cover Closed (Blue) −87 dB −105 dBCover Open (Green) −45 dB −82 dB Access Door Open (Red) −78 dB −104 dB

As seen, the shielding provided by the open access door is close to thesame shielding provided by the closed cover. This is in sharp contrastto the shielding provided by the open cover versus the closed cover.

And, as seen, the shielding provided at 1.5 GHz to 2.5 GHz where anaccess door is opened in lieu of opening a cover is much improved. Forexample, tap RF signal egress at 1900, 2400, 2500 MHz can createproblems such as interference where cellular and WIFI devices utilizesimilar frequencies.

The penetration may be located in any housing 622 surface. For example,the penetration may be located in a sidewall 690 of the housing 622 asshown. For example, the penetration may be located in another sidewall692, 694, 696 of the housing. For example, the penetration may belocated in a front 682 or rear 684 face of the housing. For example, tothe extent the housing is an assembly with a housing front 682 removablefrom a housing rear 684, the penetration may be in either or both of thehousing portion including the front or the housing portion including therear.

Because the bridge 335 conducts equipment supply voltage low frequencysignals from hardline 107 to hardline 109, removal of the directionalcoupler has no effect on the transfer of equipment supply voltage.

While the directional coupler 317 is connected, an associated actuator344 holds an RF bypass switch 342 open which allows RF signals from thebridge 335 to pass through the directional coupler and back to thebridge. When the directional coupler is disconnected, the actuatorcauses the RF bypass switch to close which connects the two bridge RFsignal lines 320, 330.

When the tap 600 is operating to service subscribers via the ports 248,258, 268, 278, RF signals are being passed through directional coupler317 and equipment supply voltage is being transferred from the upstreamhardline 107 to the downstream hardline 109 via the bridge 335. When thedirectional coupler is removed from the operating tap, the bridgetransfer is undisturbed while the RF signal is switched by connectingthe bridge RF signal lines 320 and 330. The switching action may be“make before break” where the RF switch is closed before the directionalcoupler is disconnected.

FIG. 8A shows a tap assembly side view 800A. A housing 801 such as ametallic housing includes a face plate 805 opposite or facing a backplate 803, and a first side plate 802 and a second side plate 804. FIG.8B shows a tap assembly face plate view 800B. In this view, a left sideplate 807 and a right side plate 805 along with the third and fourthside plates 815, 817 are shown. The side plates may be individual platesor they may be integrated forming, with or without the front plate, forexample, a single structure such as a casting or metallic casting. Notshown are hardline interconnects, see for example FIGS. 3A, 4A, 5A, 6 .

The face plate 805 may include suitably mounted F-Type connector ports840. These ports may be used for subscriber connections.

Within the housing 801 are electrical components such as electricalcomponents mounted on circuit or printed circuit boards. Opposite oradjacent to an interior 817 of the face plate 805, a first circuit board834 interconnects 842 with the ports 840.

In some embodiments, the first circuit board 834 has a penetration,hole, or passage 810. This passage to allow passing of the electroniccomponent 832 therein or therethrough.

Opposite or adjacent to an interior 819 of the back plate 803 is asecond circuit board 836. This circuit board has a socket 837 forreceiving connectors 833 of the electronic component 832. An electroniclink 880 interconnects the first circuit board 834 and the secondcircuit board 836. In various embodiments this link may be a shieldedlink and in various embodiments this link may include electroniccomponents such as resistors, capacitors, and inductors. Note that abypass such as an RF bypass using for example a switch may beincorporated in the socket 837 or in one of the circuit boards 834, 836such that removal of the electronic component opens or closes the switch(See FIGS. 3B, 4A, 5A, 6 ).

The circuit boards may be supported by one or more members of thehousing 801. For example, the first circuit board 834 may be supportedfrom the face plate 805 with one or more supports 821, 824, 826. Forexample the first circuit board 834 may be supported 811 from the firstside plate 802 and/or supported from 812 the second side plate 804. Forexample, in a similar manner the first circuit board may be supportedfrom the third side plate and/or the fourth side plate.

For example, the second circuit board 836 may be supported from the backplate 803 with one or more supports 823, 825. For example, the secondcircuit board 836 may be supported 813 from the first side plate 802and/or supported 814 the second side plate 804. For example, in asimilar manner, the second circuit board may be supported from the thirdside plate and/or the fourth side plate. For example, the second circuitboard 836 may be supported by one or more attachments 873 to the firstcircuit board 834.

Devices on the first and second circuit boards 834, 836 may include anyof diplexers, signal conditioners, directional couplers, splitters, highpass filters, low pass filters and/or band pass filters. In anembodiment, the first circuit board includes a diplexer and a splitter.

Devices included in the electronic component or module 832 may includeany of signal conditioners, directional couplers, splitters, high passfilters, low pass filters and/or band pass filters.

In an embodiment, a tap or outdoor tap 800A includes a plug-indirectional coupler and/or signal conditioning circuit 832 forconnection to a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board may beattached to an interior tap wall such as a tap backwall 819. Thedirectional coupler and/or signal conditioning circuit may be removablethrough a hole, penetration, or passage 809 in the faceplate.

In some embodiments, the face plate 805 penetration, hole, or passage809 allows passage of an electronic component 832 such as a plug inelectronic module therein or therethrough and in some embodiments aremovable cover 806 (round or multi-sided) or plug (round ormulti-sided) such as a threaded plug 883 (round) is for blocking and/orsealing the penetration before or after passage of the electroniccomponent. In some embodiments, a threaded plug 883 includes a skirtsuch as a skirt for pressing an O-Ring against the face plate.

FIG. 9A shows a side view of another tap assembly 900A similar to thetap assembly of FIG. 8A. A housing 901 such as a metallic housingincludes a face plate 905 opposite or facing a back plate 903, and afirst side plate 902 and a second side plate 904. Also included are sideplates similar to 815, 817. The side plates may be individual plates orthey may be integrated forming, with or without the front plate, forexample, a single structure such as a casting or metallic casting. Notshown are hardline interconnects, see for example FIGS. 3A, 4A, 5A, 6 .

In some embodiments, the face plate 905 has a penetration, hole, orpassage 909 to allow passing of an electronic component or module 932such as a plug in electronic module therein or therethrough and in someembodiments a removable cover or plug such as a threaded plug 906 is forblocking the penetration before or after passage of the electroniccomponent.

The face plate 905 may include suitably mounted F-Type connector ports940. These ports may be used for subscriber connections.

Within the housing 901 are electrical components such as electricalcomponents mounted on one or more circuit boards. In the embodimentshown, a single circuit board 914 is used and ports such as F Type portsmounted to the face plate are connected 942 to the circuit board. Notethat the thickness “t” of the tap 900A may be reduced from that shown inFIG. 8A where there is a single circuit board or where circuit boards donot overlap.

In some embodiments, the circuit board 914 has a penetration, hole, orpassage 910. This passage to allow passing of the electronic module 932therein or therethrough.

The circuit board may be supported by one or more members of the housing901. For example, the circuit board 914 may be supported from the faceplate 905 with one or more supports 921, 924, 926. For example thecircuit board may be supported from the first side plate 902 and/orsupported from 912 the second side plate 904. For example, in a similarmanner the first circuit board may be supported from third and fourthside plates interconnecting with the first and second side plates 902,904.

Devices on the circuit board 914 may include any of diplexers, signalconditioners, directional couplers or removably attached directionalcouplers, splitters, high pass filters, low pass filters and/or bandpass filters. In an embodiment, the circuit board includes a diplexer,removably attached directional coupler, and splitter. In an embodiment,the circuit board includes a diplexer, removably attached directionalcoupler, splitter, and connections to upstream and downstream hardlines(see FIG. 3A) that transport RF signals and equipment supply voltagesignals;

Devices included in the electronic component or module 932 may includeany of signal conditioners, directional couplers, splitters, high passfilters, low pass filters and/or band pass filters. In an embodiment,devices included in the electronic component or module include adirectional coupler and optionally a signal conditioner.

The electronic module 932 may include electrical contacts such as sidemounted electrical contacts 942, 944 for contact with circuit boardcontacts such as side mounted electrical contacts 943, 945. When mated,these contacts may provide for electrical connection of the electronicdevice 932 with the circuit board 914. The number of contacts may varyaccording to the requirements of interfacing the electronic device withother circuitry, for example with the circuit board.

In some embodiments circuit board contacts 943, 945 are not as shown inFIG. 9A. Rather, the circuit board contacts are planar with the circuitboard such that the circuit board contacts and the module side mountedcontacts 942, 944 lie in or near a common plane such as the plane of thecircuit board or the plane of a side of the circuit board. This contactarrangement may facilitate component manufacturing such as where acircuit board hole is used. This contact arrangement may improveoperation of circuit components at high frequencies such as operationreaching and beyond 2 GHz.

In an embodiment, a tap or outdoor tap 900A includes a plug-indirectional coupler and/or signal conditioning circuit 932 forconnection to a printed circuit board such as printed circuit board 914.The printed circuit board may be attached to a tap interior such as to afaceplate interior wall 917. The directional coupler and/or signalconditioning circuit may be removable through a hole, penetration, orpassage 909 in the faceplate which may be sealed/covered by a cover orplug such as a threaded plug 806.

In some embodiments, the face plate 805 penetration, hole, or passage809 allows passing of an electronic component 932 such as a plug inelectronic module therein or therethrough and in some embodiments aremovable cover 806 (round or multi-sided) or plug (round ormulti-sided) such as a threaded plug 883 (round) is for blocking and/orsealing the penetration before or after passage of the electroniccomponent. In some embodiments, a threaded plug 883 includes a skirtsuch as a skirt for pressing an O-Ring against the face plate.

FIG. 9B shows an embodiment having a first arrangement of circuit boardcontacts 900B. Here, electronic module 932 has an insertion end 933 anda trailing end 934. A first set of peripheral electrical contacts 942and a second set of peripheral contacts 944 extend from the electronicdevice near the trailing end.

When the electronic module 932 is inserted in the circuit board hole orpassage 910, electronic module contacts (e.g. 942, 944) can be locatedto connect with the circuit board contacts 943, 945. For example, modulecontacts 942 can connect with circuit board contacts 943 and modulecontacts 944 can connect with circuit board contacts 945.

Note that while the circuit board 914 is shown with opposed sets of twocontacts 943, 945, any number of contacts may be provided to mate withcorresponding contacts on the electronic module 932. Further, any of thecontacts may be biased by inherent spring characteristics or by aseparate spring. For example, contacts 942, 944 may be wipers that arebiased by inherent spring characteristics to press against matingcircuit board contacts 943, 945.

FIGS. 9C-D show an embodiment having a second arrangement of circuitboard contacts 900C-D. Here, electronic module 932 has an insertion end933 and a trailing end 934. A first set of peripheral electricalcontacts 942 and a second set of peripheral contacts 944 extend from theelectronic device near the trailing end.

As above, the electronic module 932 is for insertion in the circuitboard hole or passage 910. Circuit board contacts include 943 a, 943 bfor mating with electronic module contacts 942. Circuit board contactsinclude 945 a, 945 b for mating with electronic module contacts 944.

Note that circuit board contacts 943 b, 945 b are in a first contactingposition in FIG. 9C. This contact may provide for a bypass function suchas an RF bypass or a hardline RF bypass that is operative when theelectronic module 932 is removed from the circuit board 914 (See FIG.3B, 4A, 5A, 6 ). For example, where the electronic module includes adirectional coupler, the bypass may operate when the directional coupleris removed from the tap. For example, where a circuit between circuitboard contacts is provided by an inserted electronic module, thiscircuit may be replaced by the bypass when the module is removed.

When the electronic module 932 is inserted in the circuit board 914,circuit board contacts 943 b, 945 b are in a second non-contactingposition. For example, they are separated and come into contact withrespective electronic module contacts in contact sets 942, 944 as shownin FIG. 9D.

Note that while the circuit board 914 is shown with opposed sets of twocontacts 943 a, 943 b and 945 a, 945 b, any number of contacts may beprovided to mate with corresponding contacts on the electronic module932. Further, any of the contacts may be biased by inherent springcharacteristics or by a separate spring. For example, contacts 942, 944may be wipers that are biased by inherent spring characteristics topress against mating circuit board contacts 943, 945.

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment with yet another electronic component ormodule 1000. This module includes a directional coupler 1002, 1004 and acircuit element 1020 such as a signal conditioner. The circuit elementmay incorporate one or more filters and/or include one or morecomponents such a capacitor, inductor, or resistor.

As shown, the electronic module 1000 includes the circuit element 1020between and electrically interconnected with the secondary winding 1042of a first transformer 1002 and the secondary winding 1052 of a secondtransformer 1004. The primary winding 1041 of the first transformer mayconnect Port A 111 to Port B 1012 or may connect an input port to atransmitted port. The primary winding 1051 of the second transformer mayconnect Port C to a ground 1016 as shown (e.g. via a resistor 1015) ormay connect a coupled port to an isolated port.

Transformer 1002, 1004 windings may be designed to enable the circuitelement 1020 to operate at an impedance other than the impedance of theprimary windings 1041, 1051. For example, the transformers may matchapproximately 75 ohm primary windings with higher impedance secondarywindings. These higher impedance secondary windings may enable thecircuit element to operate at an impedance higher than 75 ohms. Forexample, to the extent that the circuit element includes one or morecapacitors and/or inductors, the size and or value of these componentsmay be changed and/or reduced at higher impedances enabling the size ofthe circuit element to be reduced.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit ofthe teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associateddrawings that modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, andvariations can be made without departing from the spirit or scope ofthis disclosure. Likewise, the various examples described may be usedindividually or in combination with other examples. Those skilled in theart will appreciate various combinations of examples not specificallydescribed or illustrated herein that are still within the scope of thisdisclosure. In this respect, it is to be understood that the disclosureis not limited to the specific examples set forth and the examples ofthe disclosure are intended to be illustrative, not limiting.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singularforms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents, unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise. Similarly, the adjective “another,” whenused to introduce an element, is intended to mean one or more elements.The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having” and similar terms areintended to be inclusive such that there may be additional elementsother than the listed elements. The term coupled may refer to a directconnection or to an indirect connection as in A coupled to C or Acoupled to C via B.

Additionally, where a method described above or a method claim belowdoes not explicitly require an order to be followed by its steps or anorder is otherwise not required based on the description or claimlanguage, it is not intended that any particular order be inferred.Likewise, where a method claim below does not explicitly recite a stepmentioned in the description above, it should not be assumed that thestep is required by the claim.

It is noted that the description and claims may use geometric orrelational terms indicating direction, rotation, orientation, proximityand the like. These terms are not intended to limit the disclosure and,in general, are used for convenience to facilitate the description basedon the examples shown in the figures. In addition, the geometric orrelational terms may not be exact. For instance, walls may not beexactly perpendicular or parallel to one another because of, forexample, roughness of surfaces, tolerances allowed in manufacturing,etc., but may still be considered to be perpendicular or parallel.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tap for use in a cable television distributionsystem comprising: a tap housing with coaxial cable ports configured tointerconnect with an upstream hardline and a downstream hardline; thehardlines configured to transport cable television signals that are RFsignals and equipment supply voltage; the housing enclosing hardlinecircuits and drop circuits; and, the drop circuits for servicingsubscriber ports; wherein the hardline circuits do not pass RF but areconfigured to continuously pass an equipment supply voltage present onone of the hardlines to the other of the hardlines irrespective ofwhether RF signals are conveyed to the subscriber ports.
 2. The tap ofclaim 1 further comprising: a socket within the tap housinginterconnected with the drop circuits; the socket configured toremovably receive an electronic module; the electronic module includinga directional coupler or a signal conditioner or both a directionalcoupler and a signal conditioner; a tap entryway that provides access tothe socket and a passage for the electronic module; and, a removableclosure for blocking the entryway.
 3. The tap of claim 2 whereininterconnection of the electronic module with the drop circuits issensed.
 4. The tap of claim 3 wherein operation of an RF switch dependsupon what is sensed.
 5. The tap of claim 2 wherein the electronic modulepasses through a hole in a circuit board within the housing.
 6. The tapof claim 5 wherein the electronic module includes side contacts forelectrical interconnection with the drop circuits.
 7. The tap of claim 5wherein the electronic module includes end contacts for electricalinterconnection with the drop circuits.
 8. A tap for use in a cabletelevision distribution system comprising: a tap housing with coaxialcable ports configured to interconnect with an upstream hardline and adownstream hardline; the hardlines configured to transport cabletelevision signals that are RF signals and equipment supply voltage; thehousing enclosing hardline circuits and drop circuits; and, the dropcircuits for servicing subscriber ports; wherein an RF switch forpassing only RF signals is configured to pass RF signals present on oneof the hardlines to the other of the hardlines when circuits forconveying the RF signal to the subscriber ports cease to convey the RFsignal to the subscriber ports.
 9. The tap of claim 8 furthercomprising: a socket within the tap housing interconnected with the dropcircuits; the socket configured to removably receive an electronicmodule; the electronic module including a directional coupler or asignal conditioner or both a directional coupler and a signalconditioner; a tap entryway that provides access to the socket and apassage for the electronic module; and, a removable closure for blockingthe entryway.
 10. The tap of claim 9 wherein interconnection of theelectronic module with the drop circuits is sensed.
 11. The tap of claim10 wherein operation of an RF switch depends upon what is sensed. 12.The tap of claim 9 wherein the electronic module passes through a holein a circuit board within the housing.
 13. The tap of claim 12 whereinthe electronic module includes side contacts for electricalinterconnection with the drop circuits.
 14. The tap of claim 12 whereinthe electronic module includes end contacts for electricalinterconnection with the drop circuits.
 15. A tap for use in a cabletelevision distribution system comprising: a tap housing with coaxialcable ports configured to interconnect with an upstream hardline and adownstream hardline; the hardlines configured to transport cabletelevision signals that are RF signals and equipment supply voltage;and, the housing enclosing circuits configured to convey the RF signalsto subscriber ports and configured to pass RF signals and the equipmentsupply voltage between the upstream hardline and the downstreamhardlines; wherein a bridge is configured to continuously pass equipmentsupply voltage but not RF signals between the upstream and downstreamhardlines and an RF switch is configured to pass RF signals but notequipment supply voltage between the upstream and downstream hardlineswhen the RF signals do not reach the subscriber ports.
 16. The tap ofclaim 15 further comprising: a socket within the tap housinginterconnected with the drop circuits; the socket configured toremovably receive an electronic module; the electronic module includinga directional coupler or a signal conditioner or both a directionalcoupler and a signal conditioner; a tap entryway that provides access tothe socket and a passage for the electronic module; and, a removableclosure for blocking the entryway.
 17. The tap of claim 16 whereininterconnection of the electronic module with the circuits is sensed.18. The tap of claim 17 wherein operation of an RF switch depends uponwhat is sensed.
 19. The tap of claim 16 wherein the electronic modulepasses through a hole in a circuit board within the housing.
 20. The tapof claim 19 wherein the electronic module includes side contacts forelectrical interconnection with the circuits.
 21. The tap of claim 19wherein the electronic module includes end contacts for electricalinterconnection with the circuits.
 22. A tap for use in a cabletelevision distribution system comprising: a tap housing with coaxialcable ports configured to interconnect with an upstream hardline and adownstream hardline; the hardlines configured to transport cabletelevision signals that are RF signals and equipment supply voltage; thehousing enclosing hardline circuits and drop circuits; the drop circuitsfor servicing subscriber ports; and, the hardline circuits including abridge for continuously passing equipment supply voltage but not RFsignals between the upstream and downstream hardlines; wherein an RFswitch is for passing RF signals but not equipment supply voltagebetween the upstream and downstream hardlines when the drop circuits donot receive the RF signals.
 23. The tap of claim 22 further comprising:a socket within the tap housing interconnected with the drop circuits;the socket configured to removably receive an electronic module; theelectronic module including a directional coupler or a signalconditioner or both a directional coupler and a signal conditioner; atap entryway that provides access to the socket and a passage for theelectronic module; and, a removable closure for blocking the entryway.24. The tap of claim 23 wherein interconnection of the electronic modulewith the drop circuits is sensed.
 25. The tap of claim 24 whereinoperation of an RF switch depends upon what is sensed.
 26. The tap ofclaim 23 wherein the electronic module passes through a hole in acircuit board within the housing.
 27. The tap of claim 26 wherein theelectronic module includes side contacts for electrical interconnectionwith the drop circuits.
 28. The tap of claim 26 wherein the electronicmodule includes terminal or end contacts for electrical interconnectionwith the drop circuits.